Novascope is redefining in-vitro diagnostics by uniting semiconductor engineering and biochemistry. Our BioIC platform delivers clinical answers in minutes — not days — across infectious disease, neurodegeneration, and oncology.
*Single-center, n=88 clinical samples, IRB-approved protocol at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. Data on file.
Novascope BioChips Inc. is a BioIC company — applying the rigor, scalability, and design discipline of CMOS-based integrated circuits to the complexity of biomolecular detection. We have built a fully integrated, end-to-end IVD platform that transforms how diseases are diagnosed.
To bring semiconductor economics into clinical diagnostics — making fast, affordable, precision testing accessible from reference laboratories to point-of-care clinics worldwide.
A world where any charged biomolecule — DNA, RNA, proteins, or metabolites — can be detected at the point of need, at semiconductor cost, in minutes. From lab medicine to community clinics to the developing world.
Company incorporated in Hsinchu, Taiwan and San Diego, CA. Core IC design and biochemistry team assembled.
ISO 13485 clean room laboratory established. First chip generations fabricated at UMC.
98% accuracy sepsis detection (n=88, CGMH). R²=0.97 NfL vs. SIMOA. 77 antibody clones developed. FDA Class I listed. Pilot production 5K chips/month.
40+ patents filed worldwide. NVDFlow™ automated platform completed. Multi-center trial preparation.
TFDA & FDA regulatory submissions. GMP manufacturing scale-up. Commercial launch preparation.
Revenue inflection from diagnostic products. Expansion into oncology and veterinary markets.
Novascope is redefining in-vitro diagnostics (IVD) by uniting two historically separate disciplines: semiconductor engineering and biochemistry. The integration of semiconductor technology and biochemical expertise allows our platform to achieve high-density multiplexing, intrinsic on-chip controls, and exceptional signal fidelity.
Detection based on the change of electric charge distribution at the NovaCHIP™ surface after analyte binding
3 chip series (NS01/NS02/NS03) across 6 generations. UMC foundry, 0.18μm CMOS. Billions of probe sensors per biochip. 100% proprietary silicon IP — zero external IP, zero royalties.
Probes embedded directly within engineered chip surface coating. Dual function: specificity (probe binding) and antifouling (rejecting ~7,000 blood proteins). Core trade secret.
In-house microfluidics buffer system. ZNA probes for minimal electrical interference. VHH nanobodies (~15 kDa) and IgG mAbs (CHO-expressed). 10+ antibody families from animal to IHC validation.
~200-component reader with in-house firmware, touch panel, barcode scanner, motion control. 300×200×250mm, 3–4 kg. Hospital compliance: patient ID, sample tracking, kit lot management.
Proprietary signal-to-noise algorithms at femtogram sensitivity. Binding curve dynamics, systematic noise subtraction, chip-to-chip compensation. Smart manufacturing QC.
~100K bacterial isolates from CGMH (linked to clinical data). 394 species characterized. PET-validated AD samples. WGS library under construction. Certified contract lab.
First-in-class bio-fabless design house. Inspired by the fabless semiconductor paradigm, we develop and own 100% of our silicon IP.
As a direct customer of UMC, a leading semiconductor foundry in Taiwan, we maintain the flexibility to rapidly iterate chip designs while leveraging the cost advantages of mature-node manufacturing on 8-inch wafers. Our analogue ASIC is built on extended-gate FET (EG-FET) architecture and purpose-designed for ultra-sensitive biomarker detection.
Different from many IC design houses that rely heavily on standard IP blocks and automated EDA tool flows, we have developed our own silicon IP. Our core sensing architecture, layout strategy, and signal chain design are proprietary. This allows us to preserve both performance differentiation and capture full economic value.
Unprecedented detection density: Approximately 2.4 billion probe sensor sites per biochip, 300M per sensing block (0.5 mm²), 4M per sensing unit (6 μm²). Manufactured at UMC on 0.18μm CMOS.
Six successful chip generations. Each manufactured at UMC in production lots of 25 wafers (~50K chips).
Field-effect transistor biosensing architecture for surface-charge detection of up to eight target molecules. 3×3 mm die, approximately 2.4 billion probe sensor sites. All current pipeline products built on NS01C.
High-density array configuration for scalable multiplexing. Suited for pathogen panels and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiling across multiple genetic markers.
Complementary photoelectric sensing module for hybrid detection strategies. Enables optical-electronic integration for expanded assay flexibility.
Programmable, scalable and vertically integrated biochemistry — built into silicon.
Our microfluidics-based, fast-tracked sample and buffer system streamlines sample preparation and stabilizes complex biological inputs. By optimizing fluid dynamics at the microscale, NovaBIO™ ensures controlled analyte transport, efficient reaction kinetics, and minimized sample loss. Critical for time-sensitive conditions such as sepsis.
Our proprietary chemistry platform, where probes are embedded directly within the engineered surface coating of the NovaChip™. Unlike conventional assays that rely on secondary labeling or optical amplification, NovaLINK™ integrates specificity at the material level. Our chemistry is not added on — it is built within.
Off-the-shelf antibodies often lack the purity required for our ultra-sensitive biochips. We designed and manufactured our own proprietary antibodies as bioprobes — tailored for exceptional specificity and stability.
In collaboration with Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. 700+ bacterial isolates accumulated over nearly 30 years. 206 isolates ready for whole-genome sequencing (WGS); 494 prepared for DNA extraction.
A simple and seamless diagnostic workflow engineered for simplicity. Each step — from semiconductor fabrication to real-time results — minimizes complexity while maximizing performance.
Precision fabricated at UMC. Rigorous electrical testing.
Proprietary bioprobe design and surface coating.
Any molecule carrying electric charges.
FET detects charge redistribution at chip surface.
Real-time digital readout, clinically native.
AI-powered clinical decision support.
Complete sample-to-answer workflow: ~60 minutes for sepsis pathogen identification
Ready for clinical validation and pilot manufacturing
CMOS FET biosensor at UMC
Microfluidics-based handling
Single-use NovaCHIP™ cartridge
Compact POC reader
A flexible, validated BioChip workflow ready for real-world clinical integration. Complete IVD instrument designed in-house with ~200 components including touch panel, barcode scanner, motion control, and custom sensor PCB supporting 1–8 chips per run.
A walled garden built on intellectual property. From chip to chemistry: fully protected.
IP spans chip architecture, sensing circuitry, surface chemistry, reagent systems, and integrated diagnostic platforms.
We are building a vertically integrated BioIC ecosystem — from bioprobes, biochips, and test result readers to diagnostic devices. From chip architecture and surface chemistry to assay development, firmware, analytics, and clinical validation, every layer of the stack is designed to work seamlessly together.
Zero external silicon IP. Zero royalties. The cleanest IP table in the diagnostic semiconductor space.
Competitor data compiled from publicly available sources, Q1 2026.
Note: COGS ~$10/test is a projected target at production volume. Competitor data from publicly available sources.
Validated through IRB-approved protocols at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, one of Asia's largest medical centers.
88 clinical samples, single-center validation at CGMH. LOD of 10² cfu/mL from non-cultured whole blood — pathogen ID in under 60 minutes vs. 2–7 days for blood culture.
Data on file. Clinical performance may vary in multi-center trials.
Neurofilament light chain (NfL) is a pan-neurodegeneration biomarker elevated in AD, MS, ALS, TBI, and Parkinson's disease.
Correlation vs. Quanterix SIMOA (gold standard, self-correlation: 0.98–0.99)
Matching the $300,000+ gold standard on a desktop platform at a fraction of the cost. pTau 217/231 assays in development for AD-specific diagnosis. In-house antibody production provides a sustainable competitive moat.
Validated under IRB-approved protocol at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. Published: Ciou et al., Biosens Bioelectron 2023;228:115174 (PMID: 36933321)
LOD of 10² cfu/mL from non-cultured whole blood (n=88, CGMH). Orders of magnitude improvement over culture-dependent methods. 1,000× sensitivity advantage over BioFire FilmArray (5×10⁵ cfu/mL LOD). Data on file.
In-house antibodies validated with immunohistochemistry on human brain tissue from Alzheimer's disease patients. The ultimate specificity validation.
Real clinical specimens powering probe design and validation
Products referenced herein are for Research Use Only (RUO). Not for use in diagnostic procedures unless specified. Clinical data presented is from IRB-approved research protocols.
A single semiconductor platform addressing multiple high-value clinical applications. The chip does not care what molecule it detects — any electrically charged molecule captured by a surface-bound probe generates a detectable signal.
| Infectious Disease | Neurodegeneration | Oncology | Veterinary | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Probe Type | NA | Ab & NA | NA | Ab & NA |
| Biomarker Probes | E. faecium A. baumannii K. pneumoniae E. coli E. faecalis P. aeruginosa S. aureus + AMR resistance genes |
pTau 181/217/231 NfL GFAP S100B TDP-43 α-synuclein Amyloid β-42/40 APOE4 (NA) |
EGFR ALK ROS1 BRAF NTRK RET K-RAS METex14 |
PRRSV PEDV PCV1/2/3/4 CSFV PRV SB |
NA = Nucleic Acid; Ab = Antibody. Biomarkers listed are under development or in validation. Not FDA-cleared products.
Sepsis costs $24B annually in US hospitals. Each hour of delayed treatment increases mortality by 7.6% (Kumar et al., Crit Care Med 2006). Our platform delivers results from uncultured whole blood in under one hour.
| Platform | Specimen | Time | Sensitivity | Price/Test |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOVASCOPE | Whole blood | <1 hr | 97% (n=88)* | <$100 (target) |
| BioFire BCID2 | Cultured | >1 day | >90% | $150–180 |
| T2 Bacteria | Whole blood | <5 hrs | 91–96% | $300–450 |
| Roche Eplex | Cultured | <15 hrs | >90% | $180–220 |
*Single-center, n=88. Competitor data from publicly available sources. Novascope pricing is a projected target.
With FDA approval of lecanemab (Leqembi) and donanemab (Kisunla), blood-based biomarker testing has become essential for patient screening. Current tests require $200K+ instruments and are confined to reference laboratories.
| Platform | Stage | Turnaround | Machine Cost | Price/Test |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOVASCOPE | Under dev. | Minutes | <$50K (target) | ~$200 (target) |
| Fujirebio Lumipulse | FDA cleared | Hours–days | ~$200K | ~$600 |
| Roche Elecsys | FDA cleared | Hours–days | ~$200K | ~$600 |
| Quanterix SIMOA | LDT service | Days/batch | $300–400K | ~$500 |
Novascope pricing and machine cost are projected targets. Competitor data from publicly available sources.
Nucleic acid-based detection of actionable mutations: EGFR, ALK, ROS1, BRAF, NTRK, RET, K-RAS, METex14. ctDNA detection via FET platform. 168 EGFR actionable mutations targeted.
POC diagnostics for livestock health monitoring. Probes for PRRSV, PEDV, PCV1-4, CSFV, PRV, and SB. Addressing the veterinary diagnostics market.
Expansion to 60+ bacterial species with comprehensive resistance gene profiling. Targeting the $25B+ blood culture market.
Respiratory pathogen panel, HCV genotyping, food safety testing. Each new application requires only new probes and assay protocol — chip, reader, and software are reusable.
From reference laboratories to point-of-care clinics — a single platform, multiple deployment configurations.
Single-test portable reader for point-of-care clinics. Compact, battery-capable, touchscreen interface. Ideal for emergency departments, rural clinics, and bedside testing.
Bench-top automated platform for neurodegeneration biomarkers. 1–8 chips per run. Sample-to-answer workflow. Cross-platform verified against Quanterix SIMOA.
High-throughput instrument for sepsis pathogen detection and AMR profiling. 64-test capacity. Designed for hospital clinical microbiology laboratories.
Multiple revenue streams from a single semiconductor platform
Razor/blade model — instrument placement + recurring cartridge sales. Target: instrument <$50K, test ~$100–200.
Antibody and ELISA kit sales. Near-term revenue from proprietary antibodies. 77 clones developed, 6 commercially available.
White-label biochip platform for strategic partners. Active discussions with industry players for co-development.
Contract lab services leveraging ~100K clinical isolate biobank. Revenue from validation testing and regulatory studies.
Three converging forces create an unprecedented window for semiconductor-powered diagnostics.
1.27M deaths annually from antimicrobial resistance (WHO/Lancet 2019). Sepsis costs $24B in US hospitals. Every 60 minutes of delay increases mortality 7.6% (Kumar et al., 2006; PMID 16625125). Blood culture is fundamentally too slow.
FDA approval of lecanemab ($26,500/year) and donanemab creates mandatory screening demand. Current testing costs $500–$1,250 per test at reference labs. 6+ million Americans with AD need affordable, decentralized biomarker testing.
Taiwan's semiconductor ecosystem provides unmatched precision and cost. As the first bio-fabless company at UMC, target COGS of ~$10/test vs. $143+ for competitors. The same cost curve that transformed computing, communications, and mobile.
Novascope sits at the intersection of semiconductors and diagnostics — with a defensible platform, clean IP, and clear path to commercialization.
TFDA-first strategy accelerates FDA/CE pathway. Keith Chan (former FDA Division Director) leads regulatory.
Partnerships with CGMH, NTUH, VGH. US advisory board from top medical centers.
Only standard CMOS FET platform in the space. Complete E2E ownership eliminates royalty exposure.
UMC foundry ensures semiconductor-grade manufacturing repeatability at volume.
Projected COGS at various production volumes. Margins calculated at $70 average selling price. Data on file.
Raised: $8.9M (2025) | Total capital raised to date: $22.5M
Multi-site validation, regulatory submissions
Pilot-to-production scale-up
San Diego lab, FDA filings
Distribution partnerships, market access
Novascope showcased the NVDFlow™ automated BioChip platform and sepsis detection capabilities at Asia's largest healthcare trade event in Taipei.
Presentation of our BioFET-based clinical diagnostics platform at the world's largest medical trade fair, engaging with European distribution and partnership prospects.
Ciou et al., "Solution-gated FET biosensor for pTau-217 detection." Biosensors and Bioelectronics 2023;228:115174. PubMed (PMID: 36933321)
Third-party clinical validation at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. Direct-from-whole-blood detection achieving 98% accuracy across 88 clinical samples. Manuscript in preparation.
Platform validation demonstrating R²=0.97–0.99 correlation for neurofilament light chain against the gold standard SIMOA platform. Data on file.
Building a global ecosystem across semiconductor manufacturing, clinical validation, and academic research.
World's 3rd largest dedicated semiconductor foundry. Novascope is a direct customer ordering production lots of 25 eight-inch wafers (~50K chips per lot). 0.18μm CMOS process — the mature, high-yield node ideal for analog biosensor ICs.
Asia's largest private medical system with 10,000+ beds across 7 hospitals. IRB-approved clinical validation protocols. Source of ~100K clinical isolates spanning nearly 30 years. 394 bacterial species characterized. Multi-decade collaboration in clinical microbiology.
US advisory board members from leading medical centers provide clinical expertise in sepsis, emergency medicine, and critical care. San Diego validation laboratory for US studies.
Deep expertise spanning IC design, clinical medicine, regulatory affairs, and capital markets.
20+ years IC & biotech. Former VP, Richtek Technology (MediaTek).
Stanford Top 2% scientist. AI & clinical research at Chang Gung. Board Director.
Former FDA Division Director, Office of Generic Drugs. UCSD Bioengineering. 20+ years regulatory. Board Director.
Former Deputy Director General, ERSO/ITRI. Microelectronics, MEMS, and medical devices.
Surface chemistry & antibody engineering. Leads NovaBIO™ & NovaLINK™ platforms.
25 years deep-tech equity research. Taipei & London markets.
We're building the future of diagnostics at the intersection of semiconductors and biology. 50+ team members across Taiwan and the US, and growing. Contact us at bd@novascopedx.com to explore opportunities.